Town of Mono's COVID-19 Message Centre

High Speed Fallout from COVID-19

This message from the Town of Mono was posted on 
June 10, 2020

With the lockdown brought on by COVID-19 more and more people are reliant on internet access and its speed and quality.

Tenuous at best in many parts of Mono and Dufferin during normal times, internet bandwidth is now stretched.  According to a CBC report, Bell is experiencing a 60% growth in daytime usage while nighttime usage is up by 30% and that was almost one month ago.

More critically, the CRTC estimates that only 40.8% of rural households even have high speed internet. Due to the way this is measured, the percentage is actually much lower.

All this will take time as many of us in Mono to struggle with substandard speed and service.

Suddenly the demands on our internet have hugely increased due to working at home, students faced with more online learning, more demand for home based entertainment and a huge increase in our reliance on the internet to keep us connected with our friends.

Businesses have seen their employees can be just as productive if not more so operating from home.  Presently, many home businesses are rejecting rural Dufferin as a suitable location for them to operate

Governments have discovered they can effectively conduct business by way of Zoom, GoToMeeting and other platforms while at the same time allowing public access to and participation in meetings.

Even as we climb out of our present circumstances, it will only get more challenging.

There is no going back.  These issues and the internet infrastructure need to improve dramatically to meet the demand and challenge.

So what can we do in the mean time?

In no particular order:

  • If you are experiencing slow or irregular internet service, try unplugging your router, letting it sit for 20 seconds and then plugging it in. This may clear the ‘cobwebs’ out of your connection.
  • If your modern is more than two years old you may benefit from an upgrade. Contact your provider to see whether they will provide a newer modem. Often, they will without debate.
  • Shop around for other providers of internet service and different products. There are too few choices, but they do exist.
  • If you believe you have been ‘gouged’ by an internet service provider or have substandard service, here’s what you can do:

    -Write to MP Kyle Seeback — Kyle.Seeback@parl.gc.ca and MPP Sylvia Jones — sylvia.jonesco@pc.ola.org and the Chair of the CRTC Ian Scott — ian.scott@crtc.gc.ca

    ‍    -File a complaint for gouging in times of COVID crisis. Use the 'other' category on the form and describe your circumstances

The inadequacy of our rural internet access was highlighted by COVID-19.  The economic, educational and recreational demands for high speed internet will not go away.

Here in Mono we’ve formed a Task Force to examine ways of improving local service. Discussions have taken place with large providers and startup entrepreneurs. We are looking at encouraging local, small scale high speed wireless solutions.

In short, we believe it’s time to stop dithering around and seize the moment to find solutions.

‍

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Previous Messages

Ideas

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Date Posted: 
May 13, 2020

Coping with COVID-19

Walking in Mono is a special experience - great vistas, lots of open spaces and often a breeze blowing through your hair
Date Posted: 
May 4, 2020

Can we talk about face masks and COVID-19?

You may wonder, Do I need to wear a mask? If so, when should I wear it? And what kind of mask, and how to wear it properly?
Date Posted: 
April 27, 2020

Stay Home and Stay Safe

The COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary event that requires the involvement of every member of the community to help combat it. The best action to take is to: 

Stay Home and Stay Safe

‍

The advice comes with obvious challenges, including financial, education, social, mental health, and more. On this page includes some resources to help residents & businesses navigate these uncertain times. The resources on this page are meant to be a quick way to access trustworthy sources of information. Please follow this advice about limiting your time viewing potentially anxiety-provoking news:

It’s important to stay informed with facts from reputable sources, but it’s important not to overwhelm yourself with anxiety-provoking news. Set a limit to your media consumption if it is causing you increased anxiety and worry. For a great resource, check out the Coping with Stress infographic from the WHO (World Health Organization). - Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit

Town of Mono Council Continues with Public Question Period

On March 31, 2020, Town of Mono held its first virtual council meeting. Council will continue to meet virtually for the health and safety of residents, staff, and council members. The meetings can be viewed live or after the meeting online. Public Question Period returned during the council meeting on April 14, 2020. You can submit a question to council by filling out an online form. Alernatively, you can register to join a virtual Council meeting. While Town Hall is still closed, joining a Council meeting is done over the internet.

Town of Mono - Declaration of Emergency & Services

The Town of Mono has Declared an Emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act on March 31, 2020. For the safety of visitors and staff, Town Hall remains closed to the public. Appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure the continuation of critical services, including municipal drinking water and Town roads. The Town is continuing to provide services that can be done remotely during regular business hours. Staff are still available by phone and the Town continues to monitor its social media, email, and website submissions.

There Are No Fire Bans in Effect

While there are no fire bans in effect in Mono, there was a sign on the fire hall at Airport Road and Highway 9 about a fire ban. The sign was referencing the fire ban in Caledon, not Mono. Also, Mono is outside of Ontario's Fire Region and is not affected Fire Zone Restriction.

Playgrounds Reopen

Playgrounds in Mono are open as of July 21, 2020 after being closed since March 20, 2020. The park amentities and playground equipment are not sanitized. Reopening playgrounds is a part of the Government of Ontario's Framework for Reopening our Province: Stage 3.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has recommended taking the following precautions when using playgrounds:

  • If the playground is busy, wait for other families to leave before using the playground or surfaces
  • Anyone using the playground should wash their hands before and after playing
  • Consider wearing masks and staying 2 metres away from those not in your social bubble

Dufferin County Services

While the County facilities are closed to the public, County staff are at full capacity with some working remotely and some on-site. View more information and see a list of changes to Dufferin County's services.

COVID-19 Information

What to Do If You Are Experiencing Symptoms

  • Use the Ontario government's self-assessment tool
  • Contact your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
  • If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms that are cause for an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Economic & Financial Support

Education

OPP

General Resources

Current Situation in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

Enlarge report (opens in new tab/window).

Current Situation in Canada

Social Media

Connect with reliable and trustworthy information outlets on social media to get the latest updates.

Twitter

For the best results, review each of the accounts to see what information is posted and what is most relevant to you. Did you know that you can sign up for notifications from specific Twitter to go right to your computer or mobile device / smartwatch?

Facebook

You may need to adjust your notification settings to ensure posts from these pages will be shown in your news feed.

Press & Media

Members of the press and media can visit our press centre for press releases and media contacts.

We're Listening

The virus's impact on the community has been significant. We want to hear stories from the community (residents & businesses) about challenges you are facing, community members or businesses making a difference, and any helpful resources you have found. During these times, there tends to be ample negative or news that may cause concern. It is necessary to share these for informational purposes. If there are any positive stories, please do not hesitate to share to highlight the good news that may be overlooked.

An Informational Guide to Town of Mono's New Plastic Bag Bylaw

Please select whether you are a Resident / Member of the General Public or a Business

Information for Residents

On January 1, 2021, you should no longer receive plastic checkout bags from stores in Mono. You may only receive a bag if:

  • You are first asked whether you need a bag and you respond that you require one
  • The bag you receive is a paper bag that can be recycled
  • You must pay for the bag

Businesses must allow you to use any reusable bag that you may already have, including bags from competitors.

Woman receiving purchased products in reusable bag

Are There Any Exceptions? 

You may still receive bags in situations when the bag is being used to do any of the following:

  • Package loose bulk items, such as fruit / vegetables, nuts, grains, or candy;
  • Package loose small hardware items such as nails and bolts;
  • Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, poultry or fish;
  • Wrap flowers or potted plants;
  • Protect prepared foods or bakery goods that are not already packaged;
  • Contain prescription drugs received from a pharmacy;
  • Transport live fish;
  • Protect linens, bedding, or other similar large items that cannot easily fit in a reusable bag;
  • Protect newspapers or other printed material that may be left outside;
  • Protect clothes after laundering or dry cleaning;
  • Protect tires that cannot easily fit in a reusable bag;
  • Collect and dispose of animal waste

You may also receive small paper bags at no charge for smaller purchases.

For more information, view the Plastic Bag Bylaw.

Remember Your Bags Graphic

Information for Businesses

On January 1, 2021, you should no longer provide bags to customers. You may only supply a bag if:

  • You first ask customers whether they need a bag and they respond that they require one
  • The bag you provide to customers is a paper bag that can be recycled
  • Customers must pay for the bag. Businesses can set whatever price they feel is appropriate for these bags.

Customers should be allowed to use any reusable bag that they may already have, including bags from competitors.

Customer receiving purchases in a reusable bag

Are There Any Exceptions? 

You may still provide bags in the following situations if the bags do any of the following:

  • Package loose bulk items, such as fruit / vegetables, nuts, grains, or candy;
  • Package loose small hardware items such as nails and bolts;
  • Contain or wrap frozen foods, meat, poultry or fish;
  • Wrap flowers or potted plants;
  • Protect prepared foods or bakery goods that are not already packaged;
  • Contain prescription drugs received from a pharmacy;
  • Transport live fish;
  • Protect linens, bedding, or other similar large items that cannot easily fit in a reusable bag;
  • Protect newspapers or other printed material that may be left outside;
  • Protect clothes after laundering or dry cleaning;
  • Protect tires that cannot easily fit in a reusable bag;
  • Collect and dispose of animal waste

You may also provide a small paper bag at no charge for small purchases.

Penalties

Contravening the new Plastic Bag Bylaw will result in a fine of $150. Any person who is charged with multiple or repeat offences under this Bylaw is liable to the following fines if found guilty under Part 3 of the Provincial Offences Act:

  • $500 for each day or part day that the offence continues, limited to $10,000
  • $500 for each offence in a case of multiple offences and the total of all fines for each included offence is limited to $10,000

For more information, view the Plastic Bag Bylaw.

We're Listening

We are interested to hear about what the switch away from plastic will mean for you at checkouts. What changes will you as a customer or a business need to take? What supports may be helpful? Let us know in the comments. We are ready for your feedback and we are listening.

Comments & Feedback

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